I've swapped my old Ford engine for a 16v bigport running ST it's on an aftermarket ecu. Now before I commit to getting it setup, my friend has just pulled 170bhp and 148ftlbs torque out of the same old engine. Now what kind of set up would I need to match and hold my head high?

Edited away my first response, it was a bit harsh !When you say 'old engine' I guess you mean he is still using an old Ford engine ? Assuming his is 1600cc then it is nicely developed to produce the quoted numbers, especially torque. Relatively easy to match his hp but the torque in my opinion will be much more difficult and expensive using a 1600 4age. You might however be able to match or better his numbers by building a 7age (1800cc 4age)

Maybe I didn't explain well enough, I have taken an old Ford crossflow out of my car to place a 4age in. Now my friend has stuck with the crossflow and after alot of work squeezed the above figures out of it.

What would I need to do to achieve the same results out of a 4age 16v bigport (7 rib)

His engine will most likely be bored to 1700cc, all steel and cost 8k ?The normal recipe:Compression (11.0:1 +) and capacity increase - PistonsCamshafts - probably 288° +Professionally flowed headDecent intake- itb's or carbsDecent exhaustProgrammable ecuApproximately 6k (you already have itb's and ecu ?)The right mix of parts put together properly should get you around 170hp but in my opinion he will still beat you on torque.Start with an 1800cc bottom end (7age do a search) and I think you would stand a chance.Most people would suggest you start with a different base 4age, a 20v blacktop and they would probably be right !